Three men arrested on suspicion of hare coursing in Lancashire
The dogs were also seized.
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of hare coursing in Lancashire.
On Saturday morning South Rural Taskforce received reports of three males hare coursing in Halsall in Ormskirk.
Hare coursing is the illegal blood sport of using sighthounds, like greyhounds or lurchers, to chase, catch, and kill live hares.
They attended and arrested the three men who turned out to be well-known national targets for like offences.
Police seized their dogs, their car and their equipment and once the investigation is complete the individuals will be required to answer for their actions before the courts.
A spokesperson for the police said: “For those wishing to come into our area poaching this will be your reality.
“We are the Rural Taskforce, this is Rural Crime.
“Farmers and the rural community often tell us of the fear of poachers due to threats, intimidation, damage to property and the persecution of our wildlife.”
They added: “South Rural Taskforce will continue to work with our rural communities, so that we can ensure the countryside is a place everyone can enjoy.
“Thanks to the community who continue to support us, we can't stamp out incidents like this without you.”